Boss Paul Simpson has called on Shrewsbury Town’s fans to play their part as the League Two campaign kicks off tomorrow with the visit of new-boys Burton.

The Brewers head to the Prostar Stadium for their first competitive game as a Football League club, having clinched the Blue Square Premier title last season.

Up to 1,000 Albion supporters are expected to make the short journey to Shropshire and Simpson is eager to see that his side still get the full benefit of home advantage.

Shrewsbury boasted one of the best home records in the country last season, winning 14 and losing just three of their 23 games.

“I think the fans have shown throughout the summer with their support in terms of season tickets that they still have a positive feel about the club,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get a good crowd in here because I know Burton will bring a lot and will still be in party mode.

“We need to make sure this is a good place for us to play football this season, and hopefully have a record as good as last time.”

Simpson expects Burton to provide a stern test, with their new manager Paul Peschisolido eager to get off to a good start. And he pointed to the example of Exeter winning a second consecutive promotion last season as proof that the teams coming up from non-League deserve respect.

“They’ll be up for it, without a doubt,” said Simpson. “They’re a good footballing side.

“I watched them last week against Derby and we had a match report done from their game against Altrincham at the weekend.

“We know that it’s going to be tough, but it’s a great game to look forward to.

“Over recent seasons you look at the record of Conference teams coming up and having that momentum, and that tells you that both Burton and Torquay are going to be tough games to play.”

Defenders Graham Coughlan and Dean Holden have both come through training in the last couple of days and should be fit to feature tomorrow.

But midfielder Steve Leslie is suspended following his red card in the play-off semi-final first leg at Bury in May.

Left-sided man Lewis Neal is ruled out by an ankle injury he sustained in the final friendly at Tranmere last Saturday, while centre-back Mike Jackson (knee) is also sidelined.